All the Action From the 2015 Upfronts

Over the past couple weeks, the major networks have been
hosting their annual Upfront presentations, where new shows are revealed and
executives outline their television strategies for the rest of the year and articulate
their thoughts on the industry.

Here’s a look at some of the occurrences, remarks and happenings from the
events of the main broadcasters.

Worth noting: three of the five networks (ABC, CBS, FOX) are launching shows inspired by cinematic features.

ABC

"Variety said time may be running out on prime time television. You believe that? Print media saying TV is dead." — Kimmel's biggest laugh

Comedian Jimmy Kimmel cracked the above joke at the ABC
Upfronts, about this March Variety article, which covers the battle between digital and linear TV when it
comes to advertising dollars.

Amusingly, a source cited in the article, media consultant Tim Hanlon, said a “live ‘American
Idol’ is going to be more valuable” than a non-live property. Fox announced the
cancellation of “Idol” at their Upfront.

"The upfront is not what it used to be and never will be again,” said
Amy Ginsberg, managing director of investment at Initiative, told
Adweek.

Every one of ABC’s six new dramas, which includes a new take on "The Muppets" and an adaptation of John Hughes' "Uncle Buck" film, is owned
by their own studio.

NBC

Continuing with the theme of live programming, NBC is tacking in that
direction.

"We're attacking the new season with the same
programming strategy that successfully turned NBC around: a slate of
provocative and innovative series and events that cut through the clutter and
will continue to build on our momentum," said
NBC Entertainment chairman Robert Greenblatt.

We have several powerful
new dramas and attention-getting new comedies, including the return of ‘Undateable,’
which will be broadcast live every week next season. Live programming is one more way to make a show undeniable."

The network is also experimenting with its releases, opting to make available every
episode – 13 in total – of new drama “Aquarius” the same day it airs on TV, May 28.

"Blindspot," "Best Time Ever" and "Coach" will be a part of NBC's new fall lineup.

CBS

Derided by other stations as for older viewers, CBS CEO
Leslie Moonves directly addressed the
criticism.

"We have more 18-49 shows in top 30 than ABC and NBC,
so the idea of the old fogie network should be put away forever," he said.

CBS is anticipating success in the fall with DC Comics
adaptation “Supergirl” and the evolution of Stephen Colbert’s late night
hosting duties.

“We see ‘[Supergirl]’ as a much broader show than just a genre or comic book
show,” said
SVP of CBS Primetime, Kelly Kahl. “I haven’t seen a cape on ‘Gotham.’”

In addition to "Supergirl," CBS will be premiering a TV version of 2011 movie "Limitless" and "Code Black," a medical drama.

FOX

FOX’s big play is to remove episodic re-runs during a television show’s season,
aiming for zero interruptions during the autumn and spring. “New Girl” was
bumped off the fall schedule and moved to January 2016, but it will air for 22 weeks
non-stop.

“Building on the phenomenal momentum created by ‘Gotham,’ ‘The
Last Man on Earth’ and, of course, ‘Empire,’ we’re infusing next season’s
schedule with new ambitious dramas; smart comedies; aspirational, unscripted
series and big live events and specials – all from the best creators in the
business,” said
Fox Television Group CEOs Dana Walden and Gary Newman.

And our strategy with
these bold creative swings is simple: schedule them strategically, market them
relentlessly and create events that break through and captivate viewers across
every platform.”

FOX's fall schedule includes horror-comedy "Scream Queens," Rob Lowe-helmed "The Grinder" and "Minority Report," based on the 2002 Spielberg movie of the same name.

Many Fox shows will have their seasons split in half, Gary Newman says. #FOXupfront

CW

The CW struck gold this past year with DC’s “The Flash,” which network
president Mark Pedowitz described
as its “most-watched show ever,” and further observed
that it had the most-viewed premiere ever on CW, in addition to being its
highest rated series amongst male viewers.

“Shows that are high concept and high energy and big stakes are the core of
CW’s brand,” Pedowitz stated.

CW’s other superhero show, “Arrow,” takes place in the same universe, and CW is
hoping to expand this world with new fall spinoff series “DC’s Legends of
Tomorrow,” which incorporates characters from both programs.

After heightened excitement occurred with crossover episodes between the “Arrow”
and “Flash,” Pedowitz proclaimed
that this sort of thing will officially be “a special event in [the] fourth
quarter every year,” suggesting that the network will be placing a long-term
investment in comicbook thrills.